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Factories remain optimistic about prospects in the coming months, with the output expectations index rising 12 — the highest since 2007James Glossop for The Times

Gráinne GilmoreEconomics Correspondent

Last updated at 11:42AM, September 16 2010

Orders for goods made at British factories weakened slightly in the first half
of this month, but manufacturers are still upbeat about the outlook.

Data published by the CBI showed that 20 per cent of manufacturers said that
orders were above normal in early September, while 37 per cent said that
they were below normal. The resulting balance of -17 is down from -14 in
August.

The gauge of export orders also fell to -5, from -1 in August although this
was above the -12 reading in July.

But factories remain optimistic about the prospects for their business in the